Earth Immediate Euthanasia Policy

Citizens in Earth, Texas upset over a temporary policy that allowed for the immediate euthanasia of stray animals. KLBK's Alison Morris reports.

"I think this policy is draconian. I think it's extreme, but I think the problem is extreme."

Mary Hatfield is the president of the West Texas humane society.

She says the problem is people dumping their animals.

"It's a big problem all over the state of Texas and it's a horrendous problem."

The town of Earth enacted a policy of immediate euthanasia for the month of October.

"There's many problems with the stray dogs and cats," said Earth police chief, Nick Casares. "Whether it's people actually letting them loose in the city or people bringing them from outside the city and letting them run loose inside the city."

It's not just strays.

Casares says irresponsible pet owners are also to blame.

"There are dog owners letting their dogs run loose and when asked if these are their dogs, they are denying or not claiming the dogs to avoid being cited."

Hatfield says she would not want the policy to be permanent but she does not completely disagree with it.

"It's a horrible death when animals are dumped and so as bad as euthanasia sounds, it's not always the worst option."

Casares says the policy is now over and they have no plans to reinstate it and he hopes it worked.

"I'm hoping that the dog owners are aware of the situation and will take more responsibility of their dogs."

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